Atavus is a word that is not commonly used in everyday language. However, it is a term that has a lot of significance in the world of genetics and evolution. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of atavus, its origin, associations, synonyms, antonyms, and example sentences.
Definitions
Atavus is a Latin term that refers to an ancestor or forefather. It is used to describe a trait or characteristic that is present in an organism that is not seen in its immediate ancestors but is present in its more distant ancestors. In other words, it is a throwback to an earlier evolutionary stage.
Origin
The word atavus comes from the Latin word “atavus,” which means “great-great-grandfather.” The term was first used in the 16th century to describe an ancestor that was beyond the reach of memory.
Meaning in different dictionaries
In the Oxford English Dictionary, atavus is defined as “a remote ancestor or forefather.” Merriam-Webster defines it as “an ancestor in the fourth degree.” The Cambridge Dictionary defines atavus as “a great-great-grandfather or great-great-grandmother.”
Associations
Atavus is often associated with genetics and evolution. It is used to describe the reappearance of a trait or characteristic that was present in an organism’s ancestors but was lost in subsequent generations.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of atavus include ancestor, forefather, progenitor, and predecessor.
Antonyms
Antonyms of atavus include descendant, offspring, and heir.
The same root words
Atavus is derived from the Latin word “atavus,” which is also the root word for “atavistic,” which means “resembling or suggesting an ancestral type.”
Example Sentences
- The scientist observed an atavus trait in the organism that had not been seen in its immediate ancestors.
- The family tree traced back to the atavus who had emigrated from Europe in the 1800s.
- The atavistic behavior of the animal suggested that it had evolved from a more primitive ancestor.